News

Preparations for the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, scheduled for May 2026, are underway, with the University of Botswana (UB) positioned as a key strategic partner. A delegation from the organising team visited the university to discuss areas of collaboration, resource sharing and logistical planning.

UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, described the engagement as both a courtesy and an exploratory meeting aimed at identifying areas where the University could contribute meaningfully. Among the confirmed commitments is the use of UB’s stadium for athlete training and warm up sessions during the event.

Discussions explored UB’s broader capacity to support the event including the availability of student volunteers from various disciplines. Professor Norris reaffirmed that the University community was well positioned to contribute through technical support and volunteer services. In addition, he encouraged formal communication from the delegation outlining specific areas for collaboration.

For his part, World Athletics Relays, Gaborone 2026 Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Moses Bantsi, shared that the event would host over 1,700 athletes from 60 countries along with 650 officials. He noted that approximately 160 official broadcasters were expected, highlighting the event’s global reach and its potential to boost Botswana’s economy particularly around sports tourism. Moreover, Mr Bantsi also underscored the long-term value of hosting the event, pointing out that UB’s involvement would leave lasting benefits beyond the competition itself.